DEAR SIR:

Spreading slurry is potentially one of the most hazardous tasks on the farm and farmers are urged to take safety precautions when undertaking the spreading of liquid manure blend, or slurry – a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The main hazards associated with slurry are toxic slurry gas, slurry tank and lagoon openings and the slurry spreader PTO shaft. Slurry pits present risks of drowning as well as of suffocation.

Decomposition of liquid manure blend, or slurry, generates gases such as ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. The latter two are heavier than air and will not disperse quickly from low places. Carbon dioxide is odourless, and hydrogen sulphide quickly becomes undetectable by odour by destroying victims’ sense of smell.

If inhaled, they can cause rapid unconsciousness by poisoning or displacement of oxygen, leading to hypoxia.

Farmers should not take unnecessary risks. They should follow simple steps to ensure their own personal safety and that of their animals.

Key steps

They should ensure all children and household pets are kept secure and well away from the farmyard. Only agitate the slurry on a windy day. All shed doors and shutters should be open allowing airflow through the shed during agitation.

After the start of agitator, quit the area for 30 minutes to allow slurry gasses to dissipate. Reseal agitation points when not in use.

The Health and Safety Authority specifies activity in a slurry pit as specialist work, requiring the operator to have a separate air supply and a harness lifeline managed by two additional people outside the slurry tank.